The upgraded Mi-8MSB helicopter was certified in Belarus, Interfax-Zapad reports. It was stated by the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of “Vladimir Klimov – Motor Sich” joint venture, Anatoly Sitnov.

"Mi-8MSB helicopter received the certificate of airworthiness from the aviation authorities of Belarus last week", - he said. According to him, Mi-8T helicopter was re-engined by Orsha Aircraft Repair Plant and designated Mi-8MSB.

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Anatoly Sitnov explained that the outdated TV2-117 engines have been replaced by the advanced TV3-117VMA-SBM1-4E ones having a power of 1500 h.p. and fitted with electric starting system.

"Besides new engines, it is planned to upgrade the helicopter’s instrumentation equipment. Thus the vehicle will comply with the Mi-8MSB version’s specification", - Sitnov said.

He also noted that “the helicopter has climbed to the altitude of 4500 meters in 7 minutes while performing demonstration flight dedicated to completion of certification testing".

"Mi-8T helicopters operated in Belarus and other countries will be re-engined and upgraded to Mi-8MSB version by Orsha Aircraft Repair Plant", - Sitnov noted.

He also said that the Orsha-based enterprise will carry out a complete technical re-equipping for upgrading Mi-8T helicopters. According to him, Orsha Aircraft Repair Plant plans to start re-engining of M-24 and Mi-35 helicopters in future (they will be powered by TV3-117VMA-SBM1V engines having a power of over 2500 h.p.).